As you go through your teenage years, you will have many decisions to make. Some of those decisions will be about your future working life. It may seem frightening to be making decisions that could affect the rest of your life, but there are lots of resources to help you.

Options
In Year 9, you will be asked to make choices about which subjects you want study at GCSE, or what kind of diploma you want to follow, or whether you want to do a young apprenticeship or study other vocational qualifications. When choosing your course of study, it’s important to ask questions, do research and collect information. Talk to your parents, your teachers and other adults who know you well. They can help you make these decisions.

Careers
Decisions become even harder in Year 11 because there are even more courses available. Do your research and think about your abilities to choose the courses that are right for you.

Websites that might help with researching your options:
• What are my options at Key Stage 4?
• What are the different Diplomas?
• How does an apprenticeship work?
• What about taking vocational qualifications?
• What can I do with chemistry?
• What can I do with biology?
• What’s biochemistry?
• Can I study cosmetic science?
• Can I do a degree in cosmetic science?
• Where can I find out about or beauty therapy?

Options at 16+
1. Continue with full time education

• You may feel you would like to improve your exam results
  
  
• Take traditional AS and A-level courses, or the new AVCE levels
  
  
• Take a broad vocational course like a GNVQ
  
  
• Take a more specialised vocational course (usually a BTEC or NVQ)

2. Apply for a job or training

• Enter employment via a foundation course or Advanced Modern Apprenticeship, which will also provide training
  
  
• Become self employed
  
  
• Get an advertised job
  
  
• Do voluntary or community work to gain experience in an area that interests you

Use the activities to help you complete research and think about your future choices.